Windsor rabies concerns increase

Weld County posts advisory, encourages pet vaccination

Mar. 28, 2013

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Preventing rabies

• Do not feed, touch or handle wild animals and be cautious of stray dogs and cats • Have dogs, cats, horses and livestock vaccinated regularly by a licensed veterinarian • Spay or neuter pets to reduce the number of unwanted or stray animals in the neighborhood • Keep wild animals away from your home by keeping trash bins tightly closed, and do not leave pet food outdoors. • View a map of rabies cases in Weld County at www.co.weld. co.us/ Departments/Health

Weld County officials are urging residents of a Windsor neighborhood to be cautious of wild animals and vaccinate their pets and livestock after a rabid skunk was found in the area.

This is the second infected skunk found in the neighborhood in the past four months and, with bite marks found on the animal, Eric Aakko from the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment said there are concerns that a domestic or wild animal may be infected and spreading rabies through the area.

Both animals were found in a neighborhood south of Lee Lake in between Colorado Highway 257 and Weld County Road 76.

“It is good to keep your animal inside, but the best protection is to get them vaccinated,” Aakko said, adding if a domestic animal is infected it has to go through a lengthy and expensive quarantine process to be treated.

Rabies is caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system and is nearly always fatal, according to Weld County. Signs of rabies include an increase in saliva or drooling, aggressive behavior, slow or difficult movement and nocturnal animals being seen out during the day.

Any mammal, including humans, can contract the disease, which is often transmitted in saliva to a bite, scratch or wound. People who suspect they’ve been exposed should contact their medical provider, according to Weld County.

As for vaccinating animals to prevent infection, Dr. Leisa Carson from The Vets Animal Hospital in Windsor said all dogs and cats should be vaccinated by the time they’re at least 16 weeks old. One year after that, they should be vaccinated again and then need to be brought in every three years.

Ferrets and livestock need to be vaccinated every year, Carson added.

On April 6 and 7, The Vets Animal Hospital will take part in an event to help disadvantaged pet owners by giving out 36 free wellness checks and rabies vaccinations. To make an appointment, pet owners can a call (855) 699-6397 from 4-6:30 p.m. Monday.